Splitter bad?

[Frew]

I am using cable internet and I have only 1 cable outlet thing in my room.I need it for my TV and modem. I dont want to go wireless. Would it hurt the performance of the tv or computer if I used a splitter?

 

[Mike2002]

You should probably be alright depending on how many other splitters you have on the line. I think the signal degradation is -7.5db for each split that you use. I would bet that you will be fine with a splitter; just give it a shot on the end of the cable so you don't have to cut hte cable, and if the signal gets too bad then you will know that you cannot use a splitter without some type of amplifier.

 

[vapidtransit]

You can use this tool to determine the signal strength going to your cable modem. It is very handy for troubleshooting cable modem performance issues.

You will have to follow the instructions carefully to determine your modem's ISP-side address (this is NOT the same as your computer's public IP address.)

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/robin.d.h.walker/docsdiag/

 

[Praetor]

Depends on the signal strength your modem is getting (vapid's link will help determine that) and the type of splitter/cable you get. Use a 2-port splitter rated 5-1000 MHz, and RG-6 cable and you should be able to avoid some obvious issues.

 

[Slaughter]

Don't use a splitter in this case. Use a DC Tap. One leg has high loss(the tv side) while the other has virtually none. I know my Home Depot carries them. Radio Shack also.

 

[nightowl]

I used a tap like Slaughter said and it has worked fine. In most cases you could use a splitter and everything will be fine. Just get a 2-way splitter and everything should be fine. If for some reason your signal is boarderline and the splitter causes too much loss and you lose connection to your modem you can try a tap, but chances are that you will have noticed other problems in you signal before.